Ohio Republican John Kasich has won the winner-take-all primary in his home state, propelling his perpetually lagging presidential campaign to become one of the GOP's top three White House contenders.

After besting billionaire businessman Donald Trump, the two-term governor told supporters Tuesday that his job is to represent all Americans. He said he "will not take the low road to the highest office in the land."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defeated Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for the state's Democratic nomination.

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From ISIS to the economy, Ohio residents said the issues do matter. But they're also looking for a leader who can carry their party all the way to the White House.

Ohio is a critical contest for several reasons, including the delegate count and the winner-take-all situation for the Republican Party. It's a major swing state, and some were still uncertain as they headed to the polls Tuesday.

"You know, I wish I could say I know 100 percent, I'm still grappling," said Martha Duff, of Steubenville.

"Although I don't feel he really has a chance, I voted for Rubio, because that's not Donald Trump," Koehrsen said.

Others appreciated some of Trump's approach.

"I think that he is stripping away the political correctness that needs to be stripped away and he's calling it the way it is, which is not always pleasant," Duff said. "Obviously should not get (of) out hand."

The GOP front-runner was also on the minds of Democrats.

"Donald Trump will tear this country apart. You can already see it," said Paul Rue of Steubenville.

On the Democratic Party's side, Bernie Sanders looked for another upset, but some said he's not as ready for the job as Hillary Clinton, who they hope will last beyond this election.

"We don't want somebody that's going to be 80 years old," said William Fields of Steubenville. "When they get ready to get out of office, we need somebody in case there's a second term, their health is going to hold up with them."